Online Master of Education

Discuss aspects of educational research including study purpose, research design, methods of analysis and formal scholarly writing. Focus on decision-making and policy formation in educational and related settings. Examine qualitative and quantitative research paradigms as you evaluate and interpret measures deriving from both methodological approaches. Demonstrate proficiency in writing and knowledge of educational research methods.

Provides students with the tools to plan, design and implement curricula in educational settings. Approaches to, and models of, curriculum and program design will be explored, with a specific emphasis on developing curricula for adult learners. The internal and external influences on curriculum and program development will be evaluated.

Presents both formal and informal measures for assessing learners' progress. Course involves analyzing various approaches to interpreting individual and group performance. Uses of formative and summative assessments are examined in relation to maintaining a positive learning environment based on research and best practices. A variety of learning assessment strategies will be examined such as the development of rubrics, journal evaluation techniques, standardized testing, universal design strategies, technology-based assessments and portfolios.

Focus on the design, development and implementation of e-learning. Topics include learning platforms for educational and corporate environments, online learning communities, content design for online delivery and preparation of learners for online learning. Discover how to use e-learning as a teaching tool in a traditional classroom or training environment.

Develop the skills that will enable you to evaluate and use a Learning Management System (LMS) in a business or academic environment. Topics include synchronous and asynchronous e-learning methods; capabilities, benefits and constraints of LMS; organizational needs; and methods of communication available in the system. Learn to analyze an organization's needs, use a specific LMS, enroll users, load course materials, conduct an asynchronous class, input assessment items, enter grades and produce reports.

Prerequisite: To be taken last or next to last; a grade of 'B' or higher is required.

Apply the rationale for and methods of developing a professional portfolio. Create a portfolio that includes a comprehensive collection of work and artifacts to demonstrate analysis, synthesis and evaluation of theoretical and practical knowledge gained in prior program courses. Demonstrate competency of your specific concentration area as well as of program outcomes. A supervising faculty member will evaluate your capstone project. A grade of B or higher is required.